just about ready

USAGE SUMMARY

"just about ready" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are close to being finished with something and need to indicate that you are nearly done. For example: "I'm just about ready to turn in my paper."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

They're just about ready".

The New Yorker

"Four are just about ready," she says.

The New York Times

We're just about ready to rumble!

The Guardian - Sport

We're just about ready to go into gadget overload.

Independent

"Just about ready!" Donna calls out the kitchen window.

The New Yorker

"Nemanja is just about ready to play now," said Moyes.

Independent

We're just about ready for the second half.

The Guardian - Sport

Finally, when author is just about ready to give up, he turns around.

The New Yorker

By midnight I was just about ready to commit patricide, and vowed never again.

The Guardian

Instant-Off is a very visual product, and we're just about ready to finish our first commercial.

The New York Times

In the wings was the future star Dwight Gooden, who was just about ready for the big leagues.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your language to maintain reader engagement. While "just about ready" is useful, consider alternatives like "almost ready" or "nearing completion" to avoid repetition.

Common error

Avoid using "just about ready" when something is definitively complete. This phrase indicates near completion, not actual completion. Instead, use phrases like "completely ready" or "fully prepared" when the task is finished.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "just about ready" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate a state of near completion or preparedness. This is supported by Ludwig, which confirms its correctness and usability. Examples from Ludwig show it describing various states, such as food being almost cooked or a person being almost ready to leave.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "just about ready" is a versatile adjectival phrase indicating near completion, often used to express an estimated state of preparedness. Ludwig confirms it's both grammatically correct and widely used. Its neutral tone makes it suitable for diverse communication scenarios. While highly frequent in news and media, it maintains relevance across different professional and informal settings. Remember to use it to imply near completion, not actual completion. Alternatives like "almost ready" and "nearly ready" can be employed to enhance your writing and avoid repetition. The consistent and authoritative usage in sources like The New York Times, The Guardian, and BBC, alongside its clear communicative purpose, makes it a reliable and effective phrase in English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

almost ready

Indicates a state very close to readiness, slightly more direct than the original phrase.

nearly ready

Similar to 'almost ready', but can imply a slightly longer timeframe until readiness.

practically ready

Emphasizes the practical aspects of readiness, suggesting that all necessary preparations are complete.

virtually ready

Highlights that readiness is so close it's almost a certainty.

close to being ready

A more verbose way to express near readiness, adding a bit of formality.

on the verge of being ready

Implies an imminent state of readiness, adding a sense of anticipation.

about to be ready

Similar to 'on the verge', but emphasizes the immediacy of the readiness.

in the final stages

Focuses on the process of becoming ready, highlighting the last steps.

nearing completion

Highlights the progress made towards readiness, focusing on the work done.

approaching readiness

A formal way of saying something is getting closer to being ready, focusing on movement towards that state.

FAQs

How can I use "just about ready" in a sentence?

You can use "just about ready" to describe something nearing completion, like "The dinner is "just about ready", so please set the table" or "I'm "just about ready" to leave for the airport".

What are some alternatives to "just about ready"?

Alternatives include "almost ready", "nearly ready", or "close to being ready", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is "just about ready" formal or informal?

"Just about ready" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It's suitable for most everyday situations.

What's the difference between "just about ready" and "completely ready"?

"Just about ready" indicates a state of near completion, while "completely ready" implies that something is fully finished and prepared. The former suggests there may still be minor tasks remaining, whereas the latter indicates full preparedness.